Head coach Todd Watson was promoted to director of hockey operations and will continue to perform his coaching duties. Assistant coach John Kisil and director of scouting Dan Halliburton will assume additional duties with the Spirit as part of the new hockey managerial structure.

"There was a communication breakdown between Don Edwards and the organization," managing partner and president Craig Goslin said. "At this time, in the best interest of the organization, we have decided to move in a different direction. This is a results-oriented business and the communication aspect is one of the many key ingredients to obtaining a company's desired result."

The Spirit got off to a 3-3-0-0 start this season. Saginaw is coming off a 3-2 shootout win over Sudbury on Saturday night.

The team went 33-25-8-2 last season before being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.